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Ephemeral Fantasia PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Jul 9, 2001
Metascore
48 out of 100

Generally unfavorable - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 7 out of 16
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  1. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    A throwback to the way RPGs used to be made before polygons. With anime-style characters and a firm story and gameplay, this game should be enjoyable for anyone who can get past the graphical weaknesses.
  2. GamePro
    70
    It loads frequently, the graphics are bland and first-generation, and the music smacks of elevator-itis. Plus, the game’s looping structure is cooler in theory than in reality.
  3. Gaming Age
    67
    The few folks with the patience needed to understand the game's design goals and unusual approach will find a game with a lot of depth and a truly offbeat adventure. Those who abhor repetition and like their quests spelled out for them should stay away.
  4. Cinescape
    67
    While the music doesn't offer much, except the six tracks found in the rhythm-guitar playing sessions, it's decent and surprisingly fits the game. It's not "Final Fantasy", but what is?
  5. GameZone
    60
    The graphics will not sate the eye-candy hungry PS2 player, the plot is not particularly compelling and with the frequency of the load times and frequent (and repetitive) random battles, progress may be considered by some to be unforgivably tedious and slow.
  6. PSX Nation
    60
    Despite the possibilty of too much repetition or worklike feeling, EF brings the first true traditional RPG to the PS2. The story is interesting, the mini-games unique, the characters vivid and the locations fascinating.
  7. GameSpot
    57
    Whether you love or hate the game's clichés and shortcomings, Ephemeral Fantasia is nothing more than average when compared with the majority of other RPGs.
  8. Gamezilla!
    56
    Its inferior graphics and incomplete audio are a considerable distraction and the numerous gameplay issues cause problems of their own.
  9. GamerWeb Sony
    55
    Despite a unique story concept, it sounds better on paper than in practice. While far from embarrassing, EF is embarrassingly average.
  10. IGN
    42
    There are bad games that anger me, and then there are bad games that just confuse me. Ephemeral Fantasia belongs in the latter column...I'll slide this one in the drawer and forget about it, while most of you shouldn't even give it that much attention.
  11. GameShark
    42
    It's not exactly hard though, and within minutes the fighting action matches the story pace: boring.
  12. GameSpy
    40
    Un-inspiring characters fighting un-inspired battles to get to un-inspired cutscenes just makes for a boring, tedious disc. If you hate RPGs there will be nothing in this game to change your mind.
  13. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    35
    The scale of the town maps and the repetitive graphics make navigating around the map a laborious chore. [Oct 2001, p.148]
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  14. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    30
    There are no surprise plot twists, no mysteries to unravel - nothing to keep you hooked at all. [Oct 2001, p.134]
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  15. Core Magazine
    16
    Reaching into new depths of crappiness that few developers have dared explore, Konami has tried to hide a poorly-made PSone RPG in PS2 packaging.
  16. Game Revolution
    16
    A study in bad design and boring gameplay... Heed my stern warning and don't talk to Ephemeral Fantasia. Don't pass her notes. Don't try to get test answers off of her. She's an evil witch.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Neocryothan
    9
    Ep is a great game in a unique way. You actually have to TRY A LITTLE BIT to get some characters to join you. Yes I agree it's no FF but you are all holding the game to It's standards. If it was just like FF It wouldn't be called ephemeral fantasia now would it? And don't complain about the graphics. RPG's are about the story and depth of it's characters and the surroundings, not OH LOOK!!! YOU CAN SEE THE LEAVES ON THAT TREE THERE!! If you wanted a game with amazing graphics and don't care about story for crying out loud play a racing game. Also about the "repetitiveness" people seem to complain about. What is a sport game really? Just a bunch of guys playing with their balls for hours on end.… Full Review »
  2. A.D.I.
    10
    No matter how many games have come out since Ephemeral Fantasia, I've been coming back to play the Musician in the Island of Paradise. I really say that they should have continued to making a second, perhaps a bit more advanced than it's first game. I'd like to see maybe even the prequil that makes Mouse, Beak, and Fang the legendary Golden Trio.… Full Review »
  3. JohnW.
    10
    I don't know what everyone's problem with this game is. I pity the people who think graphiscs make it bad. Graphics don't matter when it comes to good games. This game has many diverse features such as an interesting battle and technique system, a whole island with tons of characters and things to explore, many allies with differrent features, a music sub-part that'sactually kind of fun, and so much more. As for how pain-stackingly hard it can be because of how big it is, an online of official guide can take care of the junctures of what to do and where to go. It's simply an awesome game.… Full Review »
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